The beginning of a new year offers us a
time for a fresh outlook on the year to come. I always get really excited this
time of year with the prospects that lie ahead on the horizon. A few things
that have already caught my attention are the fun decorating styles I’ve been
seeing that are hip and modern but use lots of
vintage details and accessories.
The house we live in was built in 1976,
but I’ve always envisioned myself living in an old house, which is quite rare
for Newport Beach. That’s why I love adding collections of things I love to my
own home and getting a more lived-in vibe.
The adorable kitchen pictured above is designed by Holly Williams of Nashville. She's the talented granddaughter of Hank Williams, Jr. and is a talented singer herself, as well as sought-after designer.
In addition to unique vintage style, I love
to incorporate elements of coastal décor into my home, and since I do live in
Newport Beach, it’s quite appropriate and works well with the styles I love.
I’m also quite looking forward to the
Newport Harbor Home Tour on May 17th. Home tour day is always a fun day spent
with friends while exploring new design styles from local designers.
I’m always on the lookout for pretty
vintage china and other tableware. I already have a few festive tablescapes planned for 2018. The first one will most likely be for Valentine’s Day.
Since I started my collaboration with
Oriental Trading in 2015, it’s given me the opportunity to set up and host more
events. Most of them are intimate for friends and family only, but the whole idea
of coming up with a theme and then setting a beautiful table is quite fun!
Here’s a yummy chocolate cupcake recipe
from Martha Stewart that’ll be perfect to make for the ones you love.
Martha Stewart’s
Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cupcakes
Ingredients
3/4 cup
unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup
all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon
baking powder
1/4 teaspoon
salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2
sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour
cream
Milk Frosting
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12-cup standard muffin tin
with paper liners.
2. Into a medium bowl, sift together cocoa, flour, baking
powder, and salt; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until
light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each, then beat
in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in two batches,
alternating with sour cream and beginning and ending with flour.
3. Pour batter into cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake until a
toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Cool in pan 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool
completely, then spread with milk frosting using a table knife or small offset
spatula.
Cooked Milk
Frosting
Ingredients
1/4 cup
unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup whole
milk
1 teaspoon pure
vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher
salt
2 sticks
unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
Directions
1. In a small saucepan, whisk together flour and milk until
smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until mixture becomes
thick and resembles pudding, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a heat-proof bowl;
stir in vanilla and salt. Press plastic wrap against surface; let cool
completely.
2. Beat butter with sugar on medium speed until light and
fluffy, scraping down bowl as needed, about 2 minutes. Add milk mixture and
continue beating until frosting is light and fluffy and resembles whipped
cream, about 2 minutes more. Use immediately. Time:1 hour 15 mins. Makes 3 cups.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle really
make a striking couple, and the anticipation of another royal wedding is so exciting!
Meghan has such amazing personal style and together with Kate Middleton, the new young royals will be a great source for inspiration.
I’m thinking of hosting a very British
tea party on the day of the wedding with all sorts of delicious tea sandwiches,
scones and other treats to enjoy while we watch the festivities on tv. The wedding date is set for May 18, one day after the
Newport Harbor Home Tour!
Wishing you a fabulous weekend!
ciao! fabiana
photo credits:
Holly Williams, Coastal Living,
Food Network, Martha Stewart, Hello Canada
